[Intl_DxMedPhys] lead integrity post-flood -- next steps

[Robert Morrison]

If you do replace the leaded sheetrock, lead and all, just remember the lead you have is worth something so hopefully the contractor the facility would hire will take that into account.  Lead here in NJ they are giving $0.55/lb if you bring it in as scrap  https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://rockawayrecycling.com/metal/lead/__;!!KGKeukY!xGTh7i0vmIDJH2Vc-a5QByy4HPBQjulpM7MB1rVv2TzJb_scidMU9cezlpOCacUtRG0LrQcEQCoSUgdafn1yejqg1LBwU_ddjlb3rAtak-8x$ 


________________________________
From: Dave Jordan <dave.jordan at gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2025 9:57 AM
To: Robert Morrison <robpmorrison at gmail.com>; steven lafontaine <steven at therapyphysics.com>
Cc: DxMedPhys List <intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list at lists.osu.edu>
Subject: Re: [Intl_DxMedPhys] lead integrity post-flood -- next steps

Others have mentioned mold and in my experience this is the major concern; both the drywall itself (unless it happens to be a cellulose-free type, which isn’t normally used except in applications where it’s expected to get wet) and any wood joists and framing inside the wall are likely going to be contaminated because they were wet long enough for mold to start growing. In some cases they have to cut the wall open just to dry out the area behind / inside.

I’m not sure what the national or provincial regulations are for this facility but I recently learned through a similar experience that in healthcare facilities, the tear-out requirements are more extensive than they would be in something like a residential basement, and that the requirements can also differ between hospital and ambulatory facilities.

The bottom line is that you probably don’t have to worry about what the water will do to the lead itself, because the water is probably going to mean that they have to tear out and replace something - or everything - to which the lead is mounted, which will require the lead itself to be replaced or reinstalled.

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